Turning 101 Years Old

When I was 10 years old, my grade 5 schoolteacher told me that the secret to a healthy, long life is oatmeal and what was her evidence? Well, her mom, who was 101 and still healthy and strong ate oatmeal every morning! Almost 20 years later and I still remember this story but now that I’m studying nutrition it’s time to explore this phenomenon – is oatmeal really the secret to becoming a centenarian? Oatmeal is a great way to start your day. Homemade quick rolled oats with melted brown sugar and a tad of cream just makes the most delicious bowel of oatmeal; however, you might find yourself hungry again in no time! How can this be? Doesn’t oatmeal have a ton of fibre?

Oatmeal does have fibre but probably not as much as you think. Reflecting back on a post from April 2012 I recommended that your breakfast cereal contain at least 4 grams of fibre per serving. But oatmeal (quick rolled oats) only contain 3 grams of fibre per serving; which is equivalent to one piece of whole wheat bread…no wonder you are hungry again. So, how can we make oatmeal more filling?

Try adding nuts such as almonds, fresh fruit such as frozen berries or even flax seeds to your warm delicious oatmeal.

Or make the switch to steel cut oats, which contain 5 grams of fibre and 7 grams of protein per serving.

Steel cut oats are the least processed; they are simply toasted and chopped. While rolled oats are toasted then run through rollers, turning the groats (oat cereal) into flakes and making them easier to digest (& quicker to cook). Unfortunately, steel cut oats do take a bit longer to cook.

Going back to our first question regarding the link between oatmeal and becoming a centenarian - I’m not sure there’s any scientific evidence behind that claim. However, the common theme amongst centenarians is that they all have good coping mechanisms and a purpose. So, what are you passionate about?